Autumn days may be shorter, but they bring expanding solar energy education opportunities at NMC.
This October, NMC is bundling solar energy education classes, offering four progressive courses that provide the training participants need to obtain nationally-recognized industry credentials and enter the expanding solar workforce.
Participants with prior electrical experience will find it beneficial, but the courses aren’t only for electricians. Sales and installation are the fastest-growing niches in the solar industry.
“Come in, get the training, get out and get working,” said Bill Queen, energy programs specialist at NMC, which has offered solar training since 2006.
Programs include:
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Midwest Renewable Energy Program Solar Site Assessment Certificate, Oct. 10-11
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North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) Entry Level Exam Preparation, Oct. 28-Nov. 1
The Solar Site Assessment program requires one to two courses depending on prior level of experience and training.
The NABCEP entry level exam assures employers that a student has specific knowledge and skill required for entry level solar industry work. The 40-hour, one-week intensive preparation course provides a broad overview of the solar industry, markets, technical equipment, operation, site assessment, systems, and much more. The exam is offered on the Saturday following the course.
Students who already have entry level knowledge and experience may be interested in new Solar Design and Installation training, Oct. 14-18. Participants will gain system design installation experience while working on battery charging and grid connected systems in the lab.
This course utilizes NMC’s newest 3.8 KW grid connected solar array, which will be dismantled and reassembled as part of the course. Upon completion students will receive 32 hours of credit toward the advance training requirements for NABCEP installer certification exam.
For more information and to register, visit www.nmc.edu/energy or call the NMC Extended Education office at 231- 995-1701.